In a word, value and location. Okay, that was two words! We looked at tons of places and, I thought the only way I could afford vaulted ceilings, granite counters, travertine floors, a mountain view, a two car garage and a pool was in a condo, but I had gotten used to the privacy of a single family home. I didn't want to listen to neighbors fighting and kids screaming in the pool! I was a little concerned with how close the house was to the 101 but as soon as I shut the doors, I forgot all about the freeway! The double pane windows keep it quiet and cool and the extra tall wall makes the yard and pool extra quiet. Arizona was the first place to use a 1 inch layer of rubber on the freeways to make them quieter and it really works! http://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.4780322
I got everything on my wish list and I didn't have to pay thousands a year in HOA dues! Over the years, I completed upgrades like replacing the carpets, with stone floors, resurfacing the pool with pebble tec, putting in a new turf lawn, new roof, new double pane windows and AC with air scrubbers until the home was just right. Now renters love the same things I did about the home: It has all the benefits of a freestanding home for the price of a condo. And without condo fees, I can pass the savings along to the guests. Judging by the number of return guests each year, Loop 101 is actually a pretty good neighbor!